A signal from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) triggered a multi-agency response earlier today, Wednesday 14 January.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the alarm was raised from a 10-metre cabin cruiser located approximately nine nautical miles (16.5km) north-east of Beecroft Peninsula.
“Shortly before 11am today, volunteers from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay and Marine Rescue Shoalhaven were tasked to assist a vessel taking on water off the coast of Currajong.
“Volunteer crews were deployed on board rescue vessels Shoalhaven 30 and Jervis Bay 41.
“Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay maintained communication with the skipper of the sinking vessel.
“The skipper advised he had self-evacuated the vessel and was floating in a life raft,” Inspector Massey said.
The man was winched to safety by a rescue helicopter while crews on board Shoalhaven 30 retrieved the life raft. Jervis Bay 41 continued to search for the unoccupied vessel, however it could not be located.
“This incident highlights the importance of carrying the correct safety equipment on board.
“An EPIRB is a life-saving piece of equipment, and today it did exactly that – it saved a life.
“Boaters should always ensure they are properly prepared before they hit the water,” he said.
